ACC ~ Matthew 20 v24

THE TWO AND THE TEN

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: “And the ten, upon hearing this, were saddened concerning the two brothers.” Just as the two carnally sought privilege, so also the ten carnally were saddened for the lack of it. For just as the two, if they had understood spiritually, would not have requested that they be put above the others, so also the ten, if they had understood spiritually that some are before them, would not have been saddened. For to wish to be above all is indeed blameworthy, yet to hold up another above oneself is truly glorious. O beneficial error, which absolves the error of the entire world! For if the apostles had not erred thus, where might they have learned that not everything that seems good to desire is good, because it is deceptive? Some might argue that it is bad to desire, bad, just as greed and theft are bad. Now we know indeed that to desire a good work is good. But to covet the first place of honor is vanity. Now we are better able to distinguish between the good of a good work and seeking the first place of honor. For to fulfill a good work is of our will and of our work and labor, on which account the reward is ours. But to pursue the first place intrudes upon the judgment of God. I do not know if we deserve to attain any reward of justice from the first place of honor if we seek it out for ourselves. HOMILY 35. [1]

[1] PG 56:829.

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